Colorado Shines: Golden Community Center Preschool featured high-quality facility for November

Denver (Nov. 20, 2017)—The Colorado Department of Human Services’ Office of Early Childhood (OEC) released today its quarterly list of high-quality child care and preschool programs. Golden Community Center’s preschool is one of 54 programs that has achieved the top quality rating of Level 5 from Colorado Shines, the state’s quality rating and improvement system for early care and learning programs for children from birth to age 5. The 848 programs included on OEC’s list not only meet licensing standards set by the state, but also demonstrate high quality.

Colorado Shines was implemented in 2015 to help families select quality early care and learning programs for children ages 0 to 5. Colorado Shines ratings range from Levels 1 through 5. Licensed facilities are required to participate in Colorado Shines at Level 1, indicating that they meet basic health and safety standards. Facilities with Level 3 through 5 ratings indicate a program has completed an intensive program and demonstrated that they have a well-trained staff who provide high-quality child care that supports children’s safety, teaches new skills, encourages parental participation, and provides strong leadership and business practices.

“We know the first five years of a child’s life are the most important for setting the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Colorado Shines’ rating system is the best way to determine if a child care facility is providing the high level of care that best suits your child’s individual needs and will support this critical period for learning and development,” said Stacey Kennedy, director of child care quality initiatives. “When looking for a program for your child, it’s important for parents to remember that no two early learning programs look alike. Find the licensed, high-quality program that provides a supportive learning environment, well-trained staff, and a warm and welcoming setting for parents and children by using Colorado Shines as a starting point in your research.”

Golden Community Center Preschool has maintained a Colorado Shines Level 5 rating since May 2016. The program offers three classrooms with eight well-trained teachers who pride themselves on their open door policy and encouragement of parental involvement through an established parent committee. The preschool program provides half-day and full-day child care for 3- and 5-year-olds featuring a positive learning environment that enriches skills in reading, writing, math, science, motor development, and social development. For more on Golden Community Center’s Preschool program, click here.

“Our teachers aren’t just present, they’re engaged in the social and emotional development of our kids every moment of every day,” said Julie Adkins, Director of Golden Community Center’s Preschool Program. “If you’re looking for quality in our program, look at our teachers on the floor with the little ones, engaging with your children and teaching by doing. Kids are always learning. That’s why we make sure our staff is always teaching and communicating. We’re pleased with the support CDHS gave us to achieve our Colorado Shines Level 5 rating and their efforts to help parents make informed decisions about the importance of high-quality care and learning experiences in early childhood.”

Quality child care can come in many different forms. Golden Community Center is one example of a high quality child care facility featured as part of CDHS’ ongoing effort to help parents in their search for child care. CDHS will regularly feature examples of the different types of facilities that demonstrate high quality. For more on Colorado Shines and what parents should look for in a high quality facility click here.